Calls for change after worker death

October 11, 2009 6:48:54 PM PDT

BIG CREEK, KY --

The manager of a part-time census taker who died under mysterious circumstances in southeastern Kentucky says other workers are requesting to visit houses in teams rather than alone. Wayne Hatcher is regional director of the U.S. Census Bureau's office in Charlotte, N.C.

He was at a memorial Sunday in the Daniel Boone National Forest near the spot Bill Sparkman's body was found one month ago with the word "Fed" scrawled on his chest, likely in pen. Sparkman was tied to a tree with a rope around his neck.

An autopsy has concluded Sparkman died of asphyxiation. However, authorities are saying little else about his death, even whether it was a murder, suicide or accident.

Hatcher says door-to-door visits in Clay County are suspended until more information is known.